Pipradrol enhances reinforcing properties of stimuli paired with brain stimulation

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1978 Mar;8(3):219-22. doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(78)90308-8.

Abstract

The hypothesis that a psychomotor stimulant drug (pipradrol) enhances the reinforcing effects of stimuli paired with reinforcing brain stimulation was tested using a conditioned reinforcement paradigm. Rats were trained to discriminate between two stimuli (S+ and S-) to obtain ICS in the lateral hypothalamus by pushing a panel in the presence of S+. In a subsequent preference test, ICS was no longer available, but responding on one of two novel levers now produced S+, whereas responding on the other lever produced S-. Four groups of four rats received 0, 5, 10 or 15 mg/kg pipradrol. Doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg significantly enhanced the preference for S+ over S-. These doses increased responding for S+, but had no effect on responding for S-. These results support the hypothesis tested, and suggest that pipradrol potentiates the effects of conditioned reinforcement.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Discrimination, Psychological / drug effects
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Piperidines / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / drug effects

Substances

  • Piperidines